Destination: China

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Coastal Highlights & Treaty Ports

THREE TO FOUR WEEKS/BEIJING TO HONG KONG & MACAU

Voyaging down the eastern flank of China from Beijing to Hong Kong, this tour covers over 3000km, taking in the major highlights and historic maritime towns along the coast. One of China's most fascinating journeys, this three-week journey passes through some the must-see sights of Qingdao, Suzhou, Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Having toured Beijing, take the train to Tianjin and spend two days wandering around its historic collection of European-style buildings. From Tianjin jump on the train to spend two days in breezy Qingdao, the port city in Shandong graced with impressive early-20th-century German architecture. Yantai and its notable Yantai Hill Park is a possible day trip from Qingdao. From Qingdao take the overnight train through Ji'nan to booming Shanghai and its intoxicating mix of old European-style buildings and dashing modern architecture. Spend three days touring Shanghai's sights before using two days to visit the gardens and temples of the canal town of Suzhou. Board a bus from Suzhou to famed Hangzhou for a few days in the historic capital of Zhejiang province. Then board the overnight sleeper to Xiamen, and spend two days in the pleasant port city to admire the gorgeous, historic European architecture and charm of Gulang Yu. What better way to conclude this loop along the coast than with three days in Hong Kong, perched on the south of Guangdong province, with Macau a short boat trip away.

Travelling to China?
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